SRM School of Public Health joins WHO Civil Society Task Force on antimicrobial resistance

SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) announces that the SRM School of Public Health has been appointed to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Civil Society Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). With this appointment, SRM joins 81 global organisations working together to address one of the most serious public health threats of the century.

Professor Alex Joseph, Division of Epidemiology, will lead SRM’s participation. He noted that AMR is shaped by drivers across human, animal, and environmental systems and requires a comprehensive One Health response. “Community-based participatory approaches are central to our work, and this platform allows us to amplify evidence-based strategies for AMR mitigation,” he said.

The global burden of AMR continues to rise. In 2021, 4.71 million deaths were associated with bacterial AMR, including 1.14 million directly attributable to resistant infections. Without urgent action, AMR could cause up to 10 million deaths annually by 2050.

Dr Hari Singh, Dean, School of Public Health, SRMIST, emphasised the importance of international engagement. “The School provides an enabling environment where dedicated and aspiring students meaningfully engage with global health platforms. This appointment strengthens their capacity to contribute internationally and reinforces our commitment to excellence in public health education and research.”

India’s commitment has been reaffirmed through the launch of the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2.0 (NAP AMR 2.0) by the Union Health Minister, Shri J. P. Nadda. SRM’s inclusion in the WHO Task Force supports these national priorities and strengthens India’s contribution to global AMR governance.